Ice anchor system

ABSTRACT

An ice anchor system, configured to secure items to a layer of ice formed at the surface of a body of water, is provided. The layer of ice has a bottom surface. The ice anchor system includes an anchor configured to seat against the bottom surface of the layer of ice. The anchor has a fin. A line is attached to the anchor and a float is slidably attached to the line. The float has a buoyancy. The anchor is configured for a substantially vertical orientation for insertion through an opening in the layer of ice and the fin is configured to urge the anchor into a substantially horizontal orientation for seating against the bottom surface of the layer of ice. The buoyancy of the float is configured to maintain the seating of the anchor against the bottom surface of the layer of ice.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/345,724, filed May 18, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In certain instances it is desired to secure items, such as for example,ice fishing shanties and hunting blinds, to a layer of ice formed at thesurface of a body of water, such as a lake or pond. Conventional methodsof securing items to a layer of ice involve forming holes in the layerof ice and inserting threaded “T” shaped anchors into the formed holes.A securing member, such as for example, a rope or line, subsequentlyconnects the ice fishing shanty to the T-shaped anchor.

While effective, the conventional methods can be difficult,time-consuming and can require more than a single person to accomplish.It would be advantageous if ice anchors could be improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects, as well as other objects not specifically enumerated,are achieved by an ice anchor system configured to secure items to alayer of ice formed at the surface of a body of water. The layer of icehas a bottom surface. The ice anchor system includes an anchorconfigured to seat against the bottom surface of the layer of ice. Theanchor has a fin. A line is attached to the anchor and a float isslidably attached to the line. The float has a buoyancy. The anchor isconfigured for a substantially vertical orientation for insertionthrough an opening in the layer of ice and the fin is configured to urgethe anchor into a substantially horizontal orientation for seatingagainst the bottom surface of the layer of ice. The buoyancy of thefloat is configured to maintain the seating of the anchor against thebottom surface of the layer of ice.

According to this invention there is also provided an ice anchor systemconfigured to secure items to a layer of ice formed at the surface of abody of water. The layer of ice has a bottom surface. The ice anchorsystem includes an anchor configured to seat against the bottom surfaceof the layer of ice. The anchor has a fin. A rod is attached to theanchor and a span member is attached to the rod. The span member isconfigured to extend beyond an opening in the layer of ice. The anchoris configured for a substantially vertical orientation for insertionthrough an opening in the layer of ice and the fin is configured to urgethe anchor into a substantially horizontal orientation for seatingagainst the bottom surface of the layer of ice. The span member isconfigured to seat against an upper surface of the layer of ice andfurther configured to maintain the seating of the anchor against thebottom surface of the layer of ice.

According to this invention there is also provided an anchor configuredfor securing items to a layer of ice formed at the surface of a body ofwater. The anchor includes a body having opposing end segments. At leastone of the end segments has a fin. The body is configured for asubstantially vertical orientation for insertion through an opening inthe layer of ice and the fin is configured to urge the anchor into asubstantially horizontal orientation for seating against the bottomsurface of the layer of ice.

Various objects and advantages of the construction insert will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view, in elevation, of a first embodiment of an iceanchor system.

FIG. 2 a is a plan view of a portion of the ice anchor system of FIG. 1illustrating an anchor.

FIG. 2 b is a side view, in elevation of a portion of the anchor of FIG.1 illustrating a fin.

FIG. 3 is a side view, in elevation, of a hole formed through a layer ofice.

FIG. 4 is a side view, in elevation, of a first step in deploying theice anchor system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view, in elevation, of a second step in deploying theice anchor system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view, in elevation, of a third step in deploying theice anchor system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side view, in elevation, of a fourth step in deploying theice anchor system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a side view, in elevation, of a final step in deploying theice anchor system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a second embodiment of an ice anchor system.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a second embodiment of an anchor.

FIG. 11 is a side view, in elevation, of the anchor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a side view, in elevation, of a third embodiment of ananchor.

FIG. 13 is a side view, in elevation, of a first step in deploying theanchor of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side view, in elevation, of the anchor of FIG. 12illustrated in a deployed condition.

FIG. 15 is a side view, in elevation, of another embodiment of an anchorfor an ice anchor system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described with occasional reference tothe specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however,be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited tothe embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are providedso that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in thedescription of the invention herein is for describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused in the description of the invention and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofdimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in thespecification and claims are to be understood as being modified in allinstances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated,the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims areapproximations that may vary depending on the desired properties soughtto be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scopeof the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth inthe specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Anynumerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarilyresulting from error found in their respective measurements.

The description and figures disclose an ice anchor system configured forsecuring items to a layer of ice formed at the surface of a body ofwater. The term “ice”, as used herein, is defined to mean frozen water.The term “anchor”, as used herein, is defined to mean any structure,mechanism or device used to secure an item to a layer of ice.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of an ice anchor system isshown generally at 10. Generally, the ice anchor system 10 is configuredto secure various items, including the non-limiting examples of icefishing shanties and hunting blinds, to a layer of ice formed at thesurface of a body of water, such as for example, a lake. The ice anchorsystem 10 is configured to be easy to install, by a single person,adjustable and reusable. The ice anchor system 10 includes an anchor 12,a line 14, a float 16, a first clip 18 and a second clip 20.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the anchor 12 is configured for insertionthrough an opening, such as for example, a hole in a layer of ice formedat the surface of a body of water. The body of water can be any body ofwater, including the non-limiting examples of a lake, pond or river. Theanchor 12 is further configured to be seated against a bottom surface ofthe layer of ice.

As shown in FIG. 1, the anchor 12 includes a first end segment 22, acenter segment 24, a second end segment 26 and a cleat 28. Referring nowto FIG. 2 b, the center segment 24 is centered about a first axis A. Thefirst end segment 22 is centered about a second axis B. The first endsegment 22 extends from the center segment 24 such as to form an angle αbetween the first axis A and the second axis B. In the illustratedembodiment, angle α is in a range of from about 5° to about 40°.However, in other embodiments, angle α can be less than about 5° or morethan about 40°.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the second end segment 26 extends from thecenter segment 24 and is centered about a third axis C. The second endsegment 26 also forms an angle β between the first axis A and the thirdaxis C. In the illustrated embodiment, angle β formed by the second endsegment 26 and the center segment 24 is the same as, or similar to, theangle α formed by the first end segment 22 and the center segment 24.However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, angles αand β can be different from each other. As will be explained in moredetail below, the angles α and β facilitate deployment of the ice anchorsystem 10 through an opening in the layer of ice.

Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the anchor 12is made from a polymeric material, such as the non-limiting example ofpolypropylene. In other embodiments, the anchor 12 can be made fromother materials or combinations of materials, including the non-limitingexamples of polyethylene, aluminum or other metallic material and wood.Optionally, the anchor 12, or portions of the anchor 12, can have ahigh-visibility color coating, such as for example fluorescent orange,to facilitate the visibility of the anchor 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 a, the first end segment 22, centersegment 24 and second end segment 26 have a generally rounded structureproviding for a generally circular cross-sectional shape. However, aswill be explained in more detail below, in other embodiments, the firstend segment 22, center segment 24 and second end segment 26 can haveother cross-sectional shapes, including the non-limiting example of amore squared structure providing a generally rectangular cross-sectionalshape.

Referring again to FIG. 2 a, the first end segment 22 is optionallybifurcated to form lobes 30 a and 30 b. Similarly, the second endsegment 26 is optionally bifurcated to form lobes 32 a and 32 b. Thelobes 30 a and 30 b form optional notch 34. The lobes 32 a and 32 b formoptional notch 36. The notches 34 and 36 are configured to provide astructure with which the line 14 can be wrapped around when the iceanchor system 10 is not in use. In other embodiments, the anchor 12 caninclude other structures, mechanisms or devices (not shown), such as thenon-limiting example of brackets, for wrapping the line 14 when the iceanchor system is not in use.

Referring again to FIG. 2 a, the anchor 12 has a length L. The length Lof the anchor 12 is a function of a diameter of an opening, such as forexample a hole, in the layer of the ice. In one embodiment, the length Lof the anchor 12 is such that the first end segment 22 and the secondend segment 26 each extend a minimum distance of 2.0 inches beyond theopening in the layer of ice. For example, an opening in the ice havingan approximate diameter of 10.0 inches results in a minimum length L ofthe anchor 12 of approximately 14.0 inches. In another example, anopening in the layer of ice having an approximate diameter of 6.0 inchesresults in a minimum length L of the anchor 12 of approximately 10.0inches. While the above-mentioned examples provide for the first endsegment 22 and the second end segment 26 each extending a minimumdistance of 2.0 inches beyond the opening in the layer of ice, it shouldbe appreciated that in other embodiments, the first end segment 22 andthe second end segment 26 can each extend a minimum distance of more orless than 2.0 inches beyond the opening in the layer of ice.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the second end segment 26 includes anoptional weight 38. The weight 38 is configured to cause the anchor 12to pivot about the cleat 28 such that the second end segment 26 hangslower than the first end segment 22 as the anchor 12 enters the openingin the layer of ice. In one embodiment, the weight 38 is formed withinthe anchor 12 as the anchor 12 is formed. In other embodiments, theweight 38 can be added to a previously formed anchor 12. The weight 38can have any desired structure and can be made from any desiredmaterials. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight 38 is in a range offrom about 1.0 ounces to about 5.0 ounces. However, in otherembodiments, the weight 38 can be less than about 1.0 ounce or more thanabout 5.0 ounces. In still other embodiments, the anchor 12 can bebalanced such that no weight 38 is required.

Referring again to FIG. 2 b, the first end segment 22 and a portion ofthe center segment 24 are illustrated. The first end segment 22 includesan upper surface 40. The upper surface 40 forms a fin 41 having asubstantially flat portion. As will be explained in more detail below,the fin 41 is configured to rotate the anchor 12 about the cleat 28 suchthat the first end segment 22 and the second end segment 26 are in agenerally horizontal plane as the anchor 12 moves in an upward directiontoward a bottom surface of the layer of ice.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the cleat 28 is configured to allow aconnection between the anchor 12 and the line 14. In certainembodiments, the cleat 28 can be formed integral to the anchor 12 as theanchor 12 is formed. In other embodiments, the cleat 28 can be added toa previously formed anchor 12. The cleat 28 is positioned to form afulcrum about which the first and second end segments, 22 and 26, pivot.In the illustrated embodiment, the cleat 28 is positioned in theapproximate center of the length L of the anchor 12. In otherembodiments, the cleat 28 can be positioned at any point along thelength L of the anchor 12 sufficient to form a fulcrum about which thefirst and second end segments, 22 and 26, pivot. The cleat 28 can haveany desired structure and can be made from any desired materials.

In still other embodiments, the cleat 28 can be replaced by an aperture(not shown) through which the line 14 can be passed and secured. In someembodiments, the aperture can be formed such as to be generallyperpendicular with the center segment 24. However, it should beappreciated that the aperture can be formed at an angle relative to thecenter segment 24.

As shown in FIG. 1, one end of the line 14 is connected to the cleat 28and the other end of the line 14 is connected to a structure (not shown)to be secured to a layer of ice. In the illustrated embodiment, the line14 is made from a non-water absorbing polymeric material, such as forexample nylon and has a diameter in a range of from about 0.125 inchesto about 0.50 inches. In other embodiments, the line 14 can be made fromother non-water absorbing materials, such as for example metallic cable,and can have a diameter less than about 0.125 inches or more than about0.50 inches.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the float 16 includes an aperture 44 thatextends from one end of the float 16 to the other end of the float 16.The aperture 44 is configured to allow the line 14 to pass through thefloat 16 and further configured to provide a friction fit with the line14. The friction fit provided by the aperture 44 is configured to permitthe float 16 to move along the line 14 when sufficient force is appliedto the float 16, but substantially prevents the float 16 from movingalong the line 14 without the applied sufficient force.

In operation, the float 16 is moved along the line 14 to a positionwhere it floats on the surface of water within the opening in the layerof ice. In that position, the float 16 is configured to maintain theanchor 12 in a seated position against the bottom surface of the layerof ice. In the illustrated embodiment, the float 16 has a cylindricalshape and is made of a high density polymeric foam. In otherembodiments, the float can have other desired shapes, including thenon-limiting shape of a cube, and can be made from other desiredmaterials.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the line 14 extends through the float 16 andoptionally forms a loop 46. The loop 46 in the line 14 is maintained bythe first clip 18. In certain embodiments, the first clip 18 isconfigured to slide along the line 14 thereby allowing the size of theloop 46 to be adjustable. The first clip 18 can be any structure,mechanism or device configured to maintain and adjust the size of theloop 46 in the line 14.

The second clip 20 is engaged with the loop 46 formed in the line 14 andis configured for connection with one or more structures (not shown) tobe secured to the layer of ice. While the illustrated embodiment showsthe second clip 20 to have the structure of a ring or a loop, it shouldbe appreciated that in other embodiments, the second clip 20 can haveany desired structure. While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 showsthe line 14 forming the loop 46, it should be appreciated that in otherembodiments the line 14 can be connected to a structure to be secured tothe layer of ice without forming the loop 46.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, the operation of the ice anchor system 10will be discussed. In a first step as shown in FIG. 3, an opening 50 isformed in a layer of ice 52 at the surface of a body of water 54. Theopening 50 can be formed by any conventional method, including thenon-limiting examples of drilling or chipping. Alternatively, apreviously formed opening (not shown) can be used. The opening 50 canhave any desired opening dimension D and the layer of ice 52 can haveany thickness T. The layer of ice 52 has a bottom surface 56 and a topsurface 58. The bottom surface 56 and the top surface 58 of the layer ofice 52 are not required to be smooth and can have any amount ofroughness or voids. The body of water 54 within the opening 50 has asurface 60. While the opening 50 illustrated in FIG. 3 is generallyperpendicular to the layer of ice 52, it should be appreciated that inother embodiments the opening 50 can be formed at an angle with respectto the layer of ice 52.

Referring now to FIG. 4 in a next step, the ice anchor system 10 isreadied for deployment. The line 14 is attached to the cleat 28 andsupports the anchor 12. The line 14 is also positioned through theaperture 44 in the float 16. The weight 38 positioned in the second endsegment 26 causes the anchor 12 to pivot about the cleat 28, therebyrotating the first end segment 22 and resulting in a substantiallyvertical orientation of the anchor 12.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the anchor 12 suspended by the line 14 and inthe substantially vertical orientation, is configured to pass throughthe opening 50 in the layer of ice 52.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the anchor 12 is lowered into the body of water54 by the line 14 until the first end segment 22 of the anchor 12 clearsthe bottom surface 56 of the layer of ice 52. Once the first end segment22 of the anchor 12 clears the bottom surface 56 of the layer of ice 52,the line 12 is pulled in a generally upward direction indicated by thearrows 62. Pulling the line 14 in the generally upward direction 62causes the body of water 54 to push against the fin 41 having thesubstantially flat portion. The force of the body of water 54 againstthe fin 41 causes the anchor 12 to rotate in the counterclockwisedirection (indicated by the arrow 64) about the cleat 28. The line 14continues to be pulled in the generally upward direction 62 until thefirst and second end segments, 22 and 26, seat against the bottomsurface 56 of the layer of ice 52 as shown in FIG. 7.

Referring again to FIG. 7, once the first and second end segments, 22and 26, are seated against the bottom surface 56 of the layer of ice 52,the float 16 is moved in a downward direction (indicated by the arrow66). The float 16 is moved in a downward direction until the float 16rests tightly upon the surface 60 of the body of water 54 within theopening 50 as shown in FIG. 8. In this position, the buoyancy of thefloat 16 is configured to maintain the seating of the first and secondend segments, 22 and 26, of the anchor 12 against the bottom surface 56of the layer of ice 52. Once the anchor 12 is seated, the line 14 can beused to secure structures or items to the ice anchor system 10.

Removing an installed ice anchor system 10 simply involves undoing theinstallation steps described above in reverse order. While not shown, itis within the contemplation of this invention that the surface of theanchor 12 in contact with the bottom surface 56 of the layer of ice 52can include projections, coatings or finishes configured to improve thecontact with the bottom surface 56 of the layer of ice 52. Examples ofprojections can include teeth or cogs. Non-limiting examples of coatingscan include slip-resistant materials. Examples of finishes can includeserrations or cross-cut patterns.

As described herein, the ice anchor system 10 advantageously providesmany benefits over conventional ice anchors, although all benefits maynot be present in all circumstances.

First, the ice anchor system 10 can be easily installed by a singleperson. Second, the ice anchor system 10 can be installed without theuse of special tools. Third, the ice anchor system 10 can be installedand reused many times. Fourth, the ice anchor system 10 can be installedwith the installer being in a generally upright stance and without theneed for the installer to be in a bent over position or kneeledposition. Fifth, the ice anchor system 10 only requires an ice thicknessthat is safe for human weight. Many conventional “screw-in anchors”require at least five inches of ice thickness. Sixth, there is nomaximum ice thickness for the ice anchor system 10. Seventh, the iceanchor system 10 can reuse an opening previously formed in the layer ofice. Conventional “screw-in anchors” require a new hole to be drilledwith each use. Finally, the ice anchor system 10 cannot be “lost” byaccidently dropping components down an opening in the layer of ice.

While certain embodiments of the ice anchor system 10 have beendescribed above, it should be appreciated that other embodiments of theice anchor system have been contemplated. Another embodiment of an iceanchor system is shown in FIG. 9, generally at 110. In this embodiment,an anchor 112 includes a cleat 128. The cleat 128 is connected to athreaded rod 115 that extends in a generally upward direction through anaperture 144 in a span member 117. The span member 117 extends beyond anopening 150 in a layer of ice 152 and is seated against an upper surface158 of the layer of ice 152. In certain embodiments, the span member 117is a length of angle iron. In other embodiments, the span member 117 canhave other forms and shapes, including the non-limiting example of adish. The anchor 112 and the span member 117 can be held in place by afastener 119. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 119 is athreaded nut. However, the fastener 119 can have other desired formsincluding quick-release mechanisms. As shown in FIG. 9, a line 114 canbe connected to the threaded rod 115 in any desired manner. The line 114can then be connected to other structures as described above.

Yet another embodiment of an anchor 212 is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and11. In this embodiment, the anchor 212 includes a first segment 224 aconnected to a second segment 224 b. The first segment 224 a includes anend segment 222 having a plurality of angled surfaces 270 a-270 c. Theplurality of angled surfaces 270 a-270 c is configured to form a fin241. Similarly, the second segment 224 b includes an end segment 226having a plurality of angled surfaces 272 a-272 c. The plurality ofangled surfaces 272 a-272 c is configured to form a fin 243. The fins,241 and 243, are configured to function in the same, or similar mannerto the fin 41 discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 2 b. While theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 show a quantity of threeangled surfaces, 270 a-270 c and 272 a-272 c, configured to form fins,241 and 243, is should be appreciated that in other embodiments, more orless than three angled surfaces can be used to form the fins.

Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the endsegments 222 and 226 having the angled surfaces 270 a-270 c and 272a-272 c can form points 274 a, 274 b, 276 a and 276 b. In certainembodiments, the points 274 a, 274 b, 276 a and 276 b can beadvantageously used as a chisel for forming a new opening in a layer ofice or clearing newly formed ice from a previously formed opening.

Another embodiment of an anchor 312 is illustrated in FIG. 12. In thisembodiment, the anchor 312 includes a first end segment 322, a centersegment 324, a second end segment 326 and a cleat 328. In theillustrated embodiment, the first end segment 322, center segment 324and second end segment 326 are the same as, or similar to the first endsegment 22, center segment 24 and second end segment 26 discussed aboveand illustrated in FIG. 1. However, in other embodiments, the first endsegment 322, center segment 324 and second end segment 326 can bedifferent from the first end segment 22, center segment 24 and secondend segment 26.

Referring again to FIG. 12, the cleat 328 includes a first end 370, asecond end 372 and a connector 374. As shown in FIG. 12, the first end370 has a height that is higher than the height of the second end 372.However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the heightof the second end 372 can be higher than the height of the first end370.

The connector 374 is configured to connect the first end 370 with thesecond end 372. As a result of the differing heights of the first end370 and the second end 372, the connector 374 forms an incline withrespect to a generally horizontal line.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, the operation of the anchor 312 willbe discussed. Referring to FIG. 13 in a first step, an ice anchor system310 is readied for deployment. A line 314 is attached to the cleat 328via ring 376. In the illustrated embodiment, the line 314 is the sameas, or similar to, the line 14 discussed above and illustrated inFIG. 1. In other embodiments, the line 314 can be different from theline 14.

The ring 376 is configured to connect the line 314 with the cleat 328.The ring 376 is further configured to slide along the length of theconnector 374 from the first end 370 to the second end 372 of the cleat328. In certain embodiments, the ring 376 is made of a metallicmaterial, such as the non-limiting example of stainless steel. However,the ring 376 can be made of other materials, including reinforcedpolymeric materials.

One end of the line 314 is passed through a float 316 in the same manneras discussed above. As the anchor 312 is raised, the ring 376 slidesalong the downward incline of the connector 374 toward the second end372 until the ring 376 is positioned at the intersection of the secondend 372 and the connector 374. In this position, the anchor 312 isunbalanced and the unbalanced weight of the anchor 312 causes the firstend 370 of the anchor 312 to pivot about the ring 376 until the anchor312 is in a substantially vertical orientation.

Referring again to FIG. 13, the anchor 312, suspended by the line 314and in the substantially vertical orientation, is able to pass throughan opening 350 in a layer of ice 352. The anchor 312 is lowered by theline 314 until the second end segment 326 of the anchor 312 clears abottom surface 356 in the layer of ice 352. Once the anchor 312 clearsthe bottom surface 356, the line 314 is pulled in a generally upwarddirection in the same manner as discussed above. Pulling the line 314 inan upward direction causes the ring 376 to move along the connector 376in a direction away from the second end 372 and toward the first end 322until the anchor 312 is in a generally horizontal position. The line 314continues to be pulled in the generally upward direction until the firstend segment 322 and the second end portion 326 seat against the bottomsurface 356 of the layer of ice 352 as shown in FIG. 14.

Referring again to FIG. 14, once the first end portion 322 and thesecond end portion 326 are seated against the bottom surface 356 of thelayer of ice 352, the float 316 is moved in a downward direction untilthe float 316 rests tightly upon the surface 360 of the body of water354 within the opening 350 as discussed above. Once the anchor 312 isseated, the line 314 can be used to secure structures or items to theice anchor system 310. Removing an installed ice anchor system 310simply involves undoing the installation steps described above inreverse order.

Another embodiment of an anchor 412 is illustrated in FIG. 12. In thisembodiment, the anchor 412 includes one or more illumination apparatus480 and one or more illumination ports 482. The combination of theillumination apparatus 480 and the illumination ports 482 is configuredto illuminate the body of water under the bottom surface of the layer ofice as may be needed for fishing at night. The illumination apparatus480 can have any desired types and configurations of power supplies andon/off switches. In the illustrated embodiment, the illuminationapparatus 480 and the illumination ports 482 are formed within theanchor 412 as the anchor 412 is formed. In other embodiments, theillumination apparatus 480 can be added to a previously formed anchor412. While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 is shown to have aquantity of two illumination apparatus 480, it should be appreciatedthat any desired quantity of illumination apparatus 480 can be used.

The principle and mode of operation of the ice anchor system has beendescribed in certain embodiments. However, it should be noted that theice anchor system may be practiced otherwise than as specificallyillustrated and described without departing from its scope.

1. An ice anchor system configured to secure items to a layer of iceformed at the surface of a body of water, the layer of ice having abottom surface, the ice anchor system comprising: an anchor configuredto seat against the bottom surface of the layer of ice, the anchorhaving a fin; a line attached to the anchor; and a float slidablyattached to the line, the float having a buoyancy; wherein the anchor isconfigured for a substantially vertical orientation for insertionthrough an opening in the layer of ice and the fin is configured to urgethe anchor into a substantially horizontal orientation for seatingagainst the bottom surface of the layer of ice, and wherein the buoyancyof the float is configured to maintain the seating of the anchor againstthe bottom surface of the layer of ice.
 2. The ice anchor system ofclaim 1, wherein the anchor includes a center segment attached toopposing end segments, wherein the opposing end segments form angleswith the center segment, and wherein the angles are in a range of fromabout 5° to about 40°.
 3. The ice anchor system of claim 2, wherein theopposing end segments include lobes.
 4. The ice anchor system of claim1, wherein the anchor includes a cleat, and wherein the line is attachedto the cleat.
 5. The ice anchor system of claim 2, wherein one of theend segments includes a weight.
 6. The ice anchor system of claim 2,wherein one of the end segments includes an illumination apparatus. 7.The ice anchor system of claim 1, wherein the anchor includes opposingfirst and second segments, wherein at least one of the first and secondsegments include a plurality of angled surfaces, wherein the pluralityof angled surfaces are configured to form a fin.
 8. An ice anchor systemconfigured to secure items to a layer of ice formed at the surface of abody of water, the layer of ice having a bottom surface, the ice anchorsystem comprising: an anchor configured to seat against the bottomsurface of the layer of ice, the anchor having a fin; a rod attached tothe anchor; and a span member attached to the rod, the span memberconfigured to extend beyond an opening in the layer of ice; wherein theanchor is configured for a substantially vertical orientation forinsertion through an opening in the layer of ice and the fin isconfigured to urge the anchor into a substantially horizontalorientation for seating against the bottom surface of the layer of ice,and wherein the span member is configured to seat against an uppersurface of the layer of ice and further configured to maintain theseating of the anchor against the bottom surface of the layer of ice. 9.The ice anchor system of claim 8, wherein the rod is a threaded rod. 10.The ice anchor system of claim 9, wherein the span member is heldagainst the upper surface of the layer of ice by a fastener.
 11. The iceanchor system of claim 2, wherein the span member is made of angle iron.12. An anchor configured for securing items to a layer of ice formed atthe surface of a body of water, the anchor comprising: a body havingopposing end segments, at least one of the end segments having a fin;wherein the body is configured for a substantially vertical orientationfor insertion through an opening in the layer of ice and the fin isconfigured to urge the anchor into a substantially horizontalorientation for seating against the bottom surface of the layer of ice.13. The anchor of claim 12, wherein the anchor includes a center segmentattached to opposing end segments, wherein the opposing end segmentsform angles with the center segment, and wherein the angles are in arange of from about 5° to about 40°.
 14. The anchor of claim 12, whereinthe opposing end segments include lobes.
 15. The anchor of claim 12,wherein one of the end segments includes a weight.
 16. The anchor ofclaim 12, wherein one of the end segments includes an illuminationapparatus.
 17. The anchor of claim 12, wherein the anchor includes acleat, and wherein a line is attached to the cleat.
 18. The anchor ofclaim 17, wherein the cleat has a connector configured to connectopposing ends, wherein the heights of the opposing ends is differentfrom each other.
 19. The anchor of claim 18, wherein a ring isconfigured to slide along the connector from one end of the cleat to theother end of the cleat.